Match #31 :: The Final :: Sunday 29 June [R]

[unclesox]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080629/i/r1418148011.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080629/capt.7d623c8a11c640f3b334c4045a52ec0f.soccer_euro_2008_final_germany_spain_eur414.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080629/capt.e4fd1e5f024346dbb5078e85f8c2bd8a.soccer_euro_2008_final_germany_spain_eur419.jpg

[Pakalolo]

I just dont like him.. Is there a problem with that? :confused::o

hmm .... .... .... no, I don't think so. ;)

Adler, Enke, Neuer, Wiese ... your time is coming. jupp, this doesn't sound too bad.

[squidward123]

They weren't as ugly as Italy, true, but they were still stolid. Not much attacking flair. Certainly, not consistent attacking flair. Really, they got to the final because of some earlier questionable cards against Turkish players in the group stage and some unfortunate Turkish injuries. For Germany's sake, hopefully Low will realize that while being tall and relying on set pieces may get you far against 2nd tier teams, it isn't enough to consistently beat the likes of Brasil, Argentina, or even Italy.

Do you realise how germany played in the last WC and in the 2 years after that?!

Ignorant comment.

They didn't play that way consistently in this tournament for a couple of reasons. Injury to key players being one of them.

[Lahmfan]

hmm .... .... .... no, I don't think so. ;)

Adler, Enke, Neuer, Wiese ... your time is coming. jupp, this doesn't sound too bad.
now we are talking!! the REAL German keepers...
Isnt Enke old tho?
So its between Adler and Neuer ... and i really dont mind both of them! :D

[Gandalf The Red]

Congratulations to Spain.

Deserved win. Outpassed and outsmarted Germany today.

The first 12 minutes spain were nervous and Germany were clearly on top. After that they settled and the game was even for the rest of the half with spain getting on top after the goal.

In the second half spain kept their composure and kept the ball. Germany's passing was off and there was no movement.

talk about someone trying to make it look like the germans were in the game.:rolleyes:

It should have been 3-0 spain, your boys were totally outplayed:cool:

[Ramon Allones]

Guys, my nerves got to me! I'm so drunk!! i don't know if we played well but I know we are Chapeones!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Campeones, Campeones oeoeoeoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Que Vivaq Espana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[unclesox]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080629/i/r600986535.jpg

[Abebe]

I caught the second half. The german reputation of big game mental strength is undeserved on that display.

Spain were class; who knew that they can be that commanding. Some of the passing the second half was awesome.

Angela Merkel looked pretty forlorn.

[Alberto]

Andy Gray on ABC: "The Germans lost because they simply didn't do enough."

I have to agree. They spent the whole tournament doing just barely enough but they couldn't find a higher level when they needed it.

This tournament was generally a victory for attacking football. Those teams that played flowing football generally won while the teams that relied on defense or a stolid style of play usually didn't.

Yes, agreed. Congratulations to Spain and to the teams that played attractive attacking football. Well done for Germany, Holland, and Russia too. Thank goodness the negative footballing of the last European Championships was not present and not rewarded as in Portugal.

[Ramon Allones]

I will remember this day for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!! Viva Iker, Ramos !!!! Viva Iniesta Viva Cesc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God I love this team!!!!!!!!! We had more talent than anyone else!!!! No one will ever take this away from us!!!!

[JeremyEritrea]

They weren't as ugly as Italy, true, but they were still stolid. Not much attacking flair. Certainly, not consistent attacking flair. Really, they got to the final because of some earlier questionable cards against Turkish players in the group stage and some unfortunate Turkish injuries. For Germany's sake, hopefully Low will realize that while being tall and relying on set pieces may get you far against 2nd tier teams, it isn't enough to consistently beat the likes of Brasil, Argentina, or even Italy.

I completely disagree. Today's German national team is one of the most exciting and attacking-minded squads in all of UEFA.

[Ramon Allones]

I wish I was in Spain right now!!!!!

[footyfan1]

You dont agree with what I dont understand what youre trying to say. Lehman should have stayed back rather than rush out.

He could not rush out until he knew Torres would beat Lahm. If Lahm wins the ball but is not in a position to play it away safely, he needs Lehmann to go back to.

The problem is, Torres totally kicked Lahm's ass on the play and by the time Lehmann could get out, it was too late.

That was a play where Torres had no business winning the ball.

[footyfan1]

I completely disagree. Today's German national team is one of the most exciting and attacking-minded squads in all of UEFA.

Agree with that.

[footyfan1]

Flare up.. Silva with a kind of a headbutt.

Ballack trying to get him a red.


Replays on German TV show Podolski moving in first....

[squidward123]

talk about someone trying to make it look like the germans were in the game.:rolleyes:

It should have been 3-0 spain, your boys were totally outplayed:cool:

It could have been 3-0 with goals from late counterattacks in the 2nd half of the 2nd half.

I mean if you want to start counting chances I could say that Klose might have scored very early on, Ballack might have scored from inside the box, silva should have been sent off, marchena's handball was a clear penalty...

we don't want to do that do we?

Spain outplayed germany and deserved to win, but not by the margin you're saying.

[squidward123]

Replays on German TV show Podolski moving in first....

he didn't headbutt him though; silva did

[caballero del Honor]

Amazing tournament! It's going to be a shame when they water down the competition in 2016.

[footyfan1]

Torres had Lahm beaten, and if Lehmann had hung back he would have probably given Torres an easier finish. On a 1 v 1, any choice by the keeper can end up being the "wrong" one if the forward does well.

Lehmann came out again on a very similar play a little while ago, and he possibly saved a goal (and Germany's chances).

On the second one, his defender was clearly beaten. On the first one, Lahm had no business getting beaten on it. Torres just kicked Lahm's ass.

Lehmann was expecting Lahm to win the ball. Even German TV is calling it a Lahm mistake.

[Lahmfan]

Amazing tournament! It's going to be a shame when they water down the competition in 2016.
What does "water down" means? :confused: